MUMBAI
The PIL prays for directions to the government and university to provide all the necessary facilities, fill up the vacancies of staff and other facilities for smooth functioning of the tribunal
Taking a serious view on the lack of infrastructure and other amenities meant to be provided by the Mumbai University to the University of Mumbai and SNDT College Tribunal, the Bombay High Court has asked a judicial officer to visit the tribunal, interact with its presiding officer, who is a retired High Court judge, and file a detailed report by June 17 on whether facilities are available.
As per government resolution (GR) issued in 1995, the tribunal was set up as a first appeal body to hear and resolve issues arising out of admission and other areas. The jurisdiction of the tribunal covers University of Mumbai (MU) and SNDT Women's university.
A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice AK Menon, issued the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by a practicing advocate, Pravartak Suhas Pathak, who witnessed the lack of facilities when he appeared at the tribunal to argue a case for an assistant professor.
As per Menon's petition, the tribunal has been allotted a very small area to operate from, and there is a shortage of support staff, hampering its work. Pathak collected information under Right to Information Act and found that necessary legal software for research work was not provided to the presiding officer, who is a retired High Court judge, and the tribunal does not have any website for a case information system. All these factors were having an impact on dispensation of justice, and in view of the same, the litigants are likely to get affected, the petition states.
By virtue of a GR dated August 19, 1995, initially one post of a junior grade stenographer and one post of a clerk-cum-typist and one post of peon were established. However, by virtue of GR dated June 6,1996, two junior grade stenographers, two clerk-cum-typists and one post for assistant registrar were sanctioned. However, all these posts are now lying vacant, affecting the work of the tribunal, the petitioner has claimed.
The petition also says that the post of presiding officer was vacant for sometime, and that it was only recently that it had been filled.
Further, the plea states that the presiding officer has not been provided with proper accommodation that meets the standards mentioned in the GR. There is no facility of a car provided to the presiding officer, the petition states. The presiding officer has not been given proper wash room facilities and has to go to the toilet used by litigants, it adds.
The PIL prays for directions to the government and university to provide all the necessary facilities, fill up the vacancies of staff and other facilities for smooth functioning of the tribunal. The bench has posted the matter for June 20 for further hearing and for studying the report that will be submitted.
MA Khan, Registrar, University of Mumbai said that the tribunal is situated in a heritage building and major structural changes are not possible. "The facilities at the tribunal are in an excellent state and there are no complaints regarding the same" added Khan.
Bad news for Anil Ambani, his company's loss widens to Rs 3298 crore in 3 months, its business is...
Premanand Maharaj's morning yatra set to resume after..., it was stopped because...
Champions Trophy 2025: Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar clash over Shreyas Iyer's position in team
239 composite liquor shops to be opened in..., booze business ramps up in...
BIG blow to Mukesh Ambani's Reliance, company loses Rs 67526 crore in just...
Elon Musk-led DOGE halts Rs 175 crore election funding for India due to...
Malaika Arora shares her Paneer Thecha recipe, here's how you can make it
Mahakumbh viral girl Monalisa steps into 5-star hotel for lunch for first time, see viral post
Meet CID-fame actor, who once did a show for Rs 20, lost his wife due to...now earns...
Vinod Kambli makes surprising move, former Indian cricketer decides to donate...
Sachin Tendulkar breaking heart on V Day with Anjali in tow is oddly satisfying, watch viral video
Ekta Kapoor to face police probe, Mumbai court orders inquiry for...
Lahori Zeera makers likely to get Rs 450 crore as fundraising from Motilal Oswal among others
'You're pregnant': Ileana D'Cruz expecting second child with Michael Dolan!
Akshay Kumar touches Amitabh Bachchan's feet at ISPL2 finale, their association goes back to...
Who is Lalit Modi’s new Valentine? All about Rima Bouri, IPL founder’s new girlfriend
India's big 'treasure' is hidden here, once THIS work is done country will earn Rs...
This country hits big JACKPOT, discovers one of world's biggest gold reserves worth Rs...
Roadies XX star Prince Narula, Yuvika Chaudhary demand Rs 20 lakh bribe? Here's what we know
What led to stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that killed 18 people? 10 points
King Kong: This 6-Foot-8 buffalo named the world’s tallest by Guinness World Records
Shakira’s metallic wolf gown took 600 hours to create, designed by THIS Indian couturier
84 year marriage, 13 kids, 100 grandkids, viral couple sets record
Harshvardhan Rane, Mawra Hocane react to Amitabh Bachchan's shout out to Sanam Teri Kasam re-release
Chhaava box office collection day 2: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna film mints Rs 67 crore
15 injured in stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, probe on
Amitabh Bachchan was 'mind-blown' in a Bangkok strip club, reveals...: 'He was wearing...'
Watch: Gautam Adani and his wife offered 'chadar' at Ajmer Sharif Dargah
European man shares 10 lessons that shattered his western mindset after moving to India
'India needs strong production base, not empty words': LoP Rahul Gandhi's veiled dig at centre
Ranveer Allahbadia says he’s getting death threats from..., promises he won’t...
Bad news for Rohit Sharma ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, BCCI to take huge step on India captain
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries buys new company for Rs 6.73 crore, it is called...
Who was Lavoo Mamledar, former MLA who died after altercation with...in...
World's largest gold deposit worth over Rs 7 lakh crore found in China, hidden beneath....
Video Viral: Monalisa Bhosle, Mahakumbh sensation, takes first-ever flight to Kozhikode
Who Owns Burj Khalifa? Know the SURPRISING owner of the world's tallest building
Legendary Bengali singer-songwriter Pratul Mukhopadhyay passes away at 82
Whale swallows, then spits out kayaker as moment is captured on camera; WATCH viral video
'I do not regret being part of it': Raghu Ram opens up on India's Got Latent controversy
Meet influencer Ashley Clair who claims Tesla CEO Elon Musk is the father of her child
After Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh cuts ties with Ranveer Allahabadia – Here's what happened!
NASA’s curiosity Rover captures stunning twilight clouds on Mars, leaves internet in awe